In a world of growing geopolitical tensions, science remains one common language for developing coordinated international action. When trust in science is compromised, the capacity for cohesive global policy action is further diminished. How can the multilateral policy interface engage effectively with science in ways trusted by populations?

To build trust, the paper suggests the need to update the science-policy interface model, considering the empirical evidence from the past 15 years. It explores new frameworks for envisioning what a healthy science-policy interface might look like and how it can engage with the issues that drive various communities to support or oppose science-policy interventions.

Presented by the ISC’s think tank, the Centre for Science Futures, in partnership with UNESCO Unitwin Chair on Communication for Science as a Public Good, it takes a systemic approach to the issue of trust in science, while also providing a practical set of questions and a framework that key stakeholders in the policy-science interface can use to identify global, regional, or local systemic requirements.

This article was first published by the International Science Council.